“For the time being, yes. Unless the country votes to free them, they’ll stay contained.”
Cate and I shared a look.
Then that meant we still had the same job ahead: to convince the public to free the Kazzies and to convince the president to hold a vote.
WE STAYED WITH President Morgan for another hour. She was interested in what Cate and I had been doing since the last time we met, and if we felt any progress had been made with our political endeavors. Cate and I agreed that the general feeling among the crowds was positive at the rallies and public conventions that we held. Now, it was just a matter of continuing that.
The president seemed particularly interested in Cate’s new position. They discussed it at length, so I excused myself to check in with Sara.
A White House staff member escorted me to the bathroom and waited outside. I washed my hands and face and tidied up my hair while I spoke with the twin.
Dr. Roberts is going to be removed.
Her surprise strummed right into me. He is?
Yeah, the president said he’ll be gone within twenty-four hours.
Oh, thank goodness! So, now what? Who’s taking over?
I don’t know. She didn’t say.
Well, anybody will be better than him.
Exactly. I finished drying my hands. How’s Davin?
Still in isolation, but he’s fine.
Hearing that he was now on day twenty of being held captive against his will made my gut burn.
Before you go, Meghan, I just wanted to thank you once again for fighting for us.
If it had been possible to hug her, I would have. Since I couldn’t, I settled with. You’re welcome, but don’t thank me quite yet, you’re still not out of there.
Even if we never are, thank you.
My brow furrowed at her words. Whenever I heard Sara, Sophie, Dorothy, Victor, or any other Kazzie sound resigned to a life that they deemed unavoidable, I felt sad. For so many years, they’d been treated as dangerous or inferior, and many times, it seemed they believed they didn’t deserve any better.
But they did.
And sooner or later, the Kazzies and the public would see that.
17 – REMOVAL
After Cate finished with the president, we had a quick dinner at a local restaurant. Cate spent a good portion of it talking about Harper and how her daughter was doing now that I’d left Seattle. It was close to seven at night when we finished and stepped outside to the curb. As cool wind whipped around us, Cate pulled something out of her bag and handed it to me.
My eyes widened when I realized it was a new phone in a shiny box. I flipped it over. It was the latest model manufactured by a leading tech firm from before Makanza. And it was unopened. In other words, it probably cost a fortune.
“Where did you get this?” I ran my finger along the box’s smooth surface as wind blew long locks of brown hair around my face.
“I had my assistant pick it up. It’s a good thing you have a photographic memory. You’ll easily be able to program the phone numbers from your last phone into this one.”
“How much do I owe you?”
“Only a promise that you won’t get arrested again.”
I paused. “Really?”
“Yes, really. No more arrests and that phone’s free of charge.”
Grinning, I stuffed the phone into my jacket’s deep pocket. I still wore the military coat and my dirty clothes. More than anything, I wanted a shower and my own bed, but that was still a few hours away.
“And here’s the USB. Please return it to Cash.” Cate pressed the small external flash drive into my free hand.
My fingers closed around it. “I will. Thank you, Cate, for everything. If it weren’t for you, I’d still be in jail.”
“Well, that’s the last place you should be. We need you out here, whether people are ready to accept that or not.”
As the car pulled up that would drive me back to the airport, Cate pulled me into a hug. It was the first time she’d hugged me. I stiffened initially. Old habits died hard, but then I softened into her. I wasn’t sure if it was the way Cate had spoken of Harper at dinner, or how Sharon had spent weeks outside of Reservation 1 trying to see her son, but guilt filled me. Here I was, hugging another mother who wanted more than anything to be with her child.
I remembered the conversation with my own mother a few days ago. I should go home for the holidays. Davin’s right. I should try to be a better daughter.
With that thought burning my mind, Cate and I said our goodbyes before I slid into the car.
By the time I climbed aboard the MRI jet to fly back to South Dakota, it was eight at night. I wouldn’t arrive until nearly midnight. And since I still had leave from Compound 26, my plan was to get a decent night’s sleep, pack some food, and then – if the roads were passable – return to the reservation tomorrow morning.
Dr. Roberts was due to be removed tonight.
By tomorrow, visitors would be allowed in.
AS THE MRI jet sped west at thirty thousand feet, I played with the USB. Sara and I had spoken initially during the flight, but she’d been distracted with all that was transpiring on the rez. Since it was obvious she wanted to pay attention to what was happening, we’d ended our short chat. So now, I only had my thoughts for company.
I studied the tiny external flash drive. It was hard to believe this small, seemingly inconsequential device contained the incriminating materials that led to Dr. Roberts’ firing.
But it still didn’t free my friends.
The hard plastic pressed against my palms when I squeezed it. Outside, the night sky stretched as far as I could see. I’d thought for sure that seeing the barbaric practices the Kazzies had endured would lead to further action on the president’s part. I’d assumed wrong.
Flipping the USB back and forth, my brow furrowed. Surely these videos could do more. If the American people saw them…
I stopped those thoughts. The president had explicitly stated she didn’t want this information leaked.
Yet if they saw them…
I stared out the window as the incriminating thoughts pummeled my mind, like a boxer pounding an opponent. My heartbeat sped up. Defying the president could lead to massive consequences. Unless she doesn’t know I released the videos.
Biting my lip, the moon glowed above. It was a quiet flight – only me and the pilot. In other words, plenty of time to think. Too much time to think. I played with my lip between my teeth.
If I do this, there’s no turning back. And don’t forget your promise to Cate. You promised to not be arrested again. I bit my lip harder. The pain made me wince. But it may be the only way to free the Kazzies. If the public knows what’s been done to them, it may help.
My phone buzzed in my lap causing me to jump. I’d set it up after Sara and I shut down our connection, and apparently, it was working. A text from Mitch appeared.
How’s it going? We’re all wondering. :)
I shook off my thoughts as I tapped in a reply.
Dr. Roberts should be out by tonight. How’s everything in Mobridge?
Wouldn’t know. We’re driving back to Sioux Falls. Amy’s behind the wheel. Apparently, I was driving too fast for her taste.
My eyebrows rose in surprise.
The roads are passable? I thought they only did one pass through.
They plowed again. It seems the reservation is high on the state’s priority list. They had the roads completely plowed to it by mid-day.
I shrugged.
Makes sense, I guess. The MRRA and Kazzies are dependent on outside help since they’re so cut off.
That’s what we figured too.
I fingered the smooth surface on my phone as our conversation fell silent. The moon shone so brightly outside. Stars filled the sky. Only the hum of the jet engines filled the cabin.
My thoughts returned to the videos as I once again nibbled my lip. If the president never knows it was me…
With a
gasp, it suddenly came to me how I could inform the American public of what happened. There was a way that wouldn’t involve me being arrested. I picked up my phone, the last text from Mitch glowing on the screen.
Mitch.
My eyes widened even more as the puzzle pieces fell together.
Mitch. His t-shirts. His expensive cologne. All of the food items in his fridge that can’t be found at the Food Distribution Centers.
Of course…
With a widening smile, I hurriedly tapped in another text.
Um… Kind of off topic, but something important has come up. I need to talk to you, but it needs to be private. 100% private. Do you understand what I’m saying?
A long moment passed. Tension filled my shoulders until my phone buzzed again.
Yeah, I know what you’re saying.
I quickly tapped in a reply.
I’m still in the air. I’ll land in a few hours. Can you call me after midnight?
Sure. I’ll be home soon and can call you securely from there. Just let me know when you’re on the ground.
STALE AIR GREETED me when I stepped into my apartment. It was funny how being away a few days made the air stagnant.
With hurried movements, I cracked a window in the living room even though it was cold out. The clock ticked on the wall. It was almost one in the morning. Pulling my phone out, my fingers shook as I typed a message to Mitch.
Are you awake?
His reply was immediate.
Never went to bed. I’ll call you now.
Ringing from my phone sounded loud and incriminating. I avoided the ridiculous urge to glance around, as if the MRRA had already tapped into my phone and was watching everything I did. I knew I was being ridiculous.
While the MRRA was known for tracking cell phones to monitor human movement, those regulations had lessened considerably in the past month. It was possible they’d stopped completely now that the borders had opened. Still, I wasn’t taking any chances.
I tapped the answer button on my phone when it rang again. “Mitch?”
“Forester. Good evening, or rather, good morning.”
“This call is secure?”
“Yes, ma’am, and I have to say I’m pretty curious to hear what’s up.”
“Where are Amy, Charlie, and Sharon?”
“Amy and Charlie are sleeping in their beds… I’m assuming. Not sure about Sharon. She stayed in Mobridge.”
I bit my lip again. It felt bruised from all of my worrying. “Can we speak frankly?”
He chuckled. “I’d assumed we would since you wanted a secure conversation.”
Sitting down on the couch, I perched on its edge, my body tense. The clock ticked menacingly on the wall. “Where have you been buying your t-shirts, cologne, food, and all of the stuff you have that nobody else does?”
He didn’t immediately reply. Only his breathing sounded through the line. I was about to repeat the question when he said, “I think you know where I buy those things.”
“The black market?”
He laughed. “Good thing this is a secure line or I’d be quaking in my boots that Big Brother is listening.” His laugh cut short as his voice turned serious. “What’s this all about, Megs? What’s going on?”
Cold air flowing in through the window made me shiver. “I want to post Cash’s videos online. I want the American public to see them, but if it comes back that I posted them I’ll be in trouble. Big trouble. I’ll probably go to prison since I did break the law when I broke into Reservation 1. It was only the President’s pardon that freed me.”
A noise sounded, like he was scratching the stubble on his chin. “In other words, she doesn’t want the videos leaked, and she asked you to keep them private?”
I nodded even though he couldn’t see it. “You always did catch on fast.”
“So you’re asking me to help you post these videos online, and you’re assuming that I’ll know how since I have ties to the black market?”
My breath felt like it was caught in my throat. Somehow, I managed to reply, “Yes.”
He chuckled again. “Good thing you have a friend in low places, Megs. Because I can do all of the above. I can get those videos online through the Dark Web. No IP address will be traced. No one will be able to track where they originated. In other words, you’ll be in the clear and so will I.”
A grin spread across my face. “You’ll really help me?”
“Only cause I like you so much. But you’re gonna owe me a beer.”
I wrapped my arms around myself as another shiver struck. My grin was so broad, my cheeks hurt. “Deal. I’ll bring you the videos now.”
I WOKE LATE the next morning. I’d been at Mitch’s house until 3 a.m. By the time I went to bed, the videos were everywhere. Hopefully, Mitch was right and nobody would know we’d posted them.
Because if the president found out…
No, I can’t think that. Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, I twirled my hair into a ponytail. I was already leaving later than I intended for the reservation. I needed to get moving.
Since I didn’t have any fresh food in my apartment, I grabbed a homemade granola bar from the freezer and filled my water jug. Luckily, I was able to collect my laptop and bags from Mitch that I’d left in Mobridge, so I didn’t need to pack. I simply threw my bags back in my car and set out.
Once driving, the miles ticked slowly by. Mitch was right. The roads were passable but still slippery. It made for slow driving.
My fingers drummed against the steering wheel the farther west I drove. With raised eyebrows, I gazed at the vehicles ahead of and behind me in the rearview mirror. More vehicles were on the road than I’d ever seen before.
Normally, people stayed in their city, even though the borders had reopened. Traveling was expensive, and our economy still wasn’t functioning well. But today, it seemed dozens of vehicles were traveling which was doubly strange because of the hazardous conditions.
White snow glistened everywhere. The world appeared covered in velvety frosting. Since highway 12 was still closed around Aberdeen, I followed the plowed road. I had to take I-90 all the way to Vivian before merging onto highway 83. I was surprised when other vehicles also pulled off the interstate heading in that direction.
It soon became apparent as mile after mile ticked by that I wasn’t the only one driving to Reservation 1.
Frowning, I turned on the radio and surfed through channels until I found one working.
“…videos surfaced online showing the Kazzies being abused on Reservation 1. American News Network has stationed themselves outside the fence, while family members are driving by the dozens–”
I flipped off the radio. My heart beat erratically as I clung to the steering wheel. It worked! People are seeing them!
As I passed through the ghost town of Selby, I sped up. Mobridge wasn’t far. I could only hope the president would never hold me accountable for those videos being released.
There was no going back now.
WHEN I REACHED the reservation, my mouth dropped. People were everywhere. Since cars filled the road, there were no parking spots. I pulled over and parked on the shoulder just as my cell phone rang. I answered it absentmindedly as my gaze scanned the crowds.
“Hello?”
“Please tell me you had nothing to do with those videos being leaked.” Cate’s disapproving tone flowed through the earpiece.
I winced. “Um, no, of course not.”
“Meghan…”
My hand tightened over the phone as my gaze dropped to my lap. “Cate, I didn’t leak the videos.” That was partly true. Mitch had leaked them, although it had been on my instruction, and I’d supplied him with the videos, but still… I couldn’t tell Cate the truth. This was one thing I couldn’t involve her in.
“The president is working to track down who did.”
Heat flushed my cheeks. “It wasn’t me.”
She breathed quietly, her breath audible. After a m
oment, she sighed. “Okay. Then I’ll rest easy.” She paused. “I suppose it could be a number of people. Those videos went through a few channels before the president saw them.”
Hearing that made my grip lessen. “Really? How many people?”
“I don’t know, but at least a dozen.”
I grinned. Thankfully, Cate couldn’t see it. “You have to admit, the videos being leaked has worked to our advantage.”
Cate chuckled, but she quickly sobered it. “It may have, but of course, we don’t want to do anything to upset the president.”
I couldn’t tell from her tone if she actually believed that or was just saying that for fear of being overheard.
She took a deep breath. “I have to go, so I’ll call you soon. We’re organizing more rallies for next week.”
“Okay. I’ll wait to hear from you.”
After we hung up, my hands shook when I stuffed my phone back in my pocket. I swallowed thickly. Hopefully, the president would never trace the leak back to me or Mitch. It seemed like Mitch knew what he was doing. I’d have to keep faith in that.
Stepping out of my vehicle, I shaded my eyes in the bright sunshine. Any worries about the president fell to the back of my mind as I once again soaked up the scene.
Word’s spread so fast!
Within the twelve hours since Mitch and I had posted the videos, masses of people and news reporters had stationed themselves outside of the gates and fence. Tents dotted the prairies. People had apparently arrived ready to camp in the snow.
Section 12: Book #3 in The Makanza Series Page 18